Thanks to the popularity of new events slopestyle and freeskiing in Sochi, the IOC will consider adding skateboarding and BMX halfpipe and park to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

BMX racing was added to the Summer Olympics in 2008, and it may soon be joined by two other BMX events: Halfpipe and park. IOC Sports Director Christophe Dubi told Sports Business Daily that the organization will take the important step of recognizing the International Skateboarding Federation (ISF) by the end of this year.

The ISF was created in 2010 by Camp Woodward President Gary Ream and BMX legend Mat Hoffman and encompasses both sports.

“That is probably the next boost to the sport,” Dubi told Sports Business Daily. “Major events, exposure to the global stage is what will help the sport continue to grow.”

In the first week of the Olympics, NBC cited 54 percent digital growth since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, crediting users' increased ease with cable authentication, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dubi also said global Internet consumption of the Sochi Olympics is surging, with much of the increase due to the popularity of slopestyle and freeskiing among younger generations. Both sports are making their Olympic debut after being a part of the X Games for more than 10 years.

“What I find interesting is (slopestyle) is strong on TV, which is a good thing because it’s (where) our traditional viewers (are), but it’s also good on the internet, which is the younger generation, and these age groups have a big pickup,” Dubi said.

Rumors have been swirling about the IOC including skateboarding, and Tony Hawk, perhaps the most accomplished skateboarder of all time, told TMZ last year that it's about time the sport gets the recognition it deserves.

This text will be replaced

In addition to skateboarding and BMX halfpipe and park, Dubi mentioned sport climbing as another lifestyle event that the IOC will consider for the 2020 Olympics.

Like us on facebook, follow us on twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.